As an aircraft owner or aviation industry professional, have you deemed premises liability insurance essential for yourself and/or your business? Owning and operating a plane necessitates unique considerations when it comes to acquiring the best coverage in case of injuries on your property. So, do all aircraft owners need premises liability insurance? This article will explore why such liability insurance policies are crucial for all airplane owners and understand what they entail. Having these assurances will provide immense peace of mind so that you can rest assured knowing that there is ample protection available whatever situation arises. If you find yourself in a bind involving premises liability coverage, get in touch with the attorneys from Jared Spingarn’s law firm in Hollywood, Florida, as soon as possible.
Different Types of Aircraft Owners
There are various types of aircraft owners, each with unique considerations and requiring different kinds of coverage.
1. Private Aircraft Owners
Private aircraft owners are individuals who own an aircraft and keep it on their property. their aircraft are only flown for private purposes.
2. General Aviation Aircraft Owners
General aviation aircraft owners are those who own an aircraft for recreational purposes or to commute short distances.
3. Business Aircraft Owners
Business aircraft owners are companies or organizations that own an aircraft for business purposes. The use of the plane may vary from short-haul trips to long-distance flights.
4. Professional Aircraft Owners
Professional aircraft owners are individuals who provide services related to aviation, such as flight training, charter services, aerial photography, and more.
Federal Aviation Administration Regulations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes strict requirements for aircraft and their owners. These guidelines are in place for the safety of crew and passengers as well as to protect aircraft owners from legal action.
- Keeping your aircraft in impeccable condition- the FAA enforces regular inspections to meet safety standards.
- Operating your plane safely- pilots must take all necessary precautions, follow standard operating procedures, and adhere to guidelines when flying or carrying passengers.
- Adequately training staff for aviation operations- crew members must be competent and adequately trained in order to operate the aircraft safely.
- Adhering to procedures for reporting accidents or incidents- any incident, including injury or property damage, must be reported with all necessary documentation within a certain timeline as per FAA regulations.
Aircraft Financial Responsibility Requirements in Hollywood, Florida
The FAA imposes financial responsibility requirements wherein aircraft owners must prove they have adequate financial resources to cover property damage, bodily injury, or death liabilities if an accident occurs. This shows how important it is for aircraft owners to have adequate protection in place.
It is important also to be aware that liability and aviation insurance policy requirements may vary depending on the aircraft being operated. Here are some examples of insurance requirements for aircraft owners in Hollywood, Florida:
- Single-engine aircraft must be insured up to a minimum liability limit of $100,000 per passenger.
- Twin-engine aircraft must have a minimum liability limit of $500,000 per passenger.
- An aircraft with three or more engines must have a minimum liability limit of $1 million per passenger.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a severe penalty, including the suspension or revocation of your pilot’s license and/or aircraft registration.
Types of Liabilities Associated with Owning an Aircraft
Aircraft owners have liabilities that include bodily injury, property damage, and product liability.
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury can occur when someone is injured as a result of an accident involving the aircraft or the use of its components.
Property Damage
Property damage occurs when physical structures, land, or other items are damaged due to aircraft negligence.
Product Liability
Product liability refers to claims made against the aircraft itself or any of its components, such as engines and avionics.
These liabilities can have serious consequences if not properly addressed, so aircraft owners need to have the appropriate insurance coverage in place.
What is premises liability insurance?
Premises liability insurance provides coverage for incidents that take place on an aircraft owner’s property or in their plane. This includes accidents caused by the negligence of the aircraft owners or their employees. Airport owners may also be required to carry premises liability insurance as it is a condition of their lease agreement with the FAA.
Premises Liability Coverage
The coverage provided by premises liability insurance includes:
- Slip and fall accidents on the premises
- Damage or injury caused by a mechanical malfunction of the aircraft
- Injuries and property damage caused by hazardous materials
- Claims associated with improper maintenance of the aircraft or premises.
- Injuries caused by the aircraft or its components
The Importance of Premises Liability Insurance for Aircraft Owners
The importance of premises liability insurance for aircraft owners cannot be overstated. This type of coverage helps to protect aircraft owners from the potential financial burdens associated with accidents that may occur on their property or as a result of their use of the aircraft or its components. With this coverage in place, aircraft owners can rest assured, knowing that they have the financial protection they need in the event of an incident. Furthermore, it is a requirement for many airports and regulated by the FAA, so aircraft owners must ensure that they have adequate premises liability insurance to stay compliant with all applicable regulations.
Those operating charter services or providing flight training are also required to carry sufficient premises liability insurance. This helps protect their clients in case of an accident and ensures that the charter or flight school complies with all applicable regulations.
Various Levels of Coverage Available to Protect your Assets
Aircraft owners can choose from a variety of different levels of coverage to meet their specific needs and budget. The coverage will depend on factors such as the type of aircraft, operating costs, and the number of passengers the plane is expected to transport. Most policies provide liability protection up to $1 million per occurrence but some may offer higher limits as an option. Insurance brokers can help aircraft owners determine the best coverage for their specific situation.
Aircraft Liability Insurance Requirements in Hollywood, Florida
In Hollywood, Florida, aircraft ownership requires liability insurance to register with the Florida Department of Transportation. The minimum liability insurance requirement for this type of coverage is $100,000 per passenger and must be purchased from a qualified provider.
If you are flying internationally, it is important to check with the applicable country’s regulations to determine the required coverage type. Most countries require additional liability insurance for international operations.
General Liability Insurance for Business Aviation Operations
Business aviation operations are required to purchase general liability insurance, which covers property damage and bodily injury incurred by third parties as a result of business activities. This type of coverage is typically purchased in conjunction with other forms of insurance.
Additional Types of Insurance for Aircraft Owners
In addition to the mandatory liability coverage, aircraft owners can purchase additional types of insurance such as hull and cargo coverage, non-owned aircraft liability, international liability, and medical payments. These are all optional but may be beneficial depending on the individual’s specific needs.
Hull and Cargo Insurance Coverage
This type of coverage protects the aircraft from damage or loss due to an accident. It also covers any cargo that is stored inside the plane during transportation.
Non-owned Aircraft Insurance Coverage
This coverage is designed to protect an aircraft owner if a non-owned aircraft causes damage or injury. It covers any legal costs associated with defending against claims and any resulting damages and/or medical bills.
International Liability Insurance Coverage
This type of coverage protects aircraft owners who are operating internationally. It covers legal and medical expenses in the event of an accident occurring outside of the United States.
Medical Payments Coverage
This type of insurance covers medical costs for passengers injured on board an aircraft, regardless of fault. It is highly recommended for those who fly their own plane to cover such costs should an accident occur.
Comprehensive Aviation Insurance Solutions
Aircraft owners can also purchase additional coverage for items such as workers’ compensation, life insurance for pilots, and a host of other aviation-related incidents.
Public Liability Coverage
This protects aircraft owners in the event of an accident involving third parties. It can cover loss or damage to property, personal injury, and legal fees.
Passenger Liability Insurance
This protects aircraft owners if a passenger is injured or killed on board their plane.
Crew Coverage
This protects aircraft owners if a pilot or crew member is injured while on board their plane.
Do I need a lawyer?
It is recommended that aircraft owners consult with a lawyer from the Jared Spingarn law firm to determine the best course of action when purchasing premises liability and aviation insurance. A lawyer can advise on what type and amount of coverage are necessary as well as any possible legal issues associated with obtaining such coverage.
Conclusion
Do all aircraft owners need premises liability insurance? Yes, all aircraft owners need premises liability insurance. This coverage helps protect the aircraft owner from property damage and bodily injury incurred by third parties as a result of business activities. In addition to premises liability insurance, aircraft owners can also purchase additional types of coverage. At the same time, it is recommended that aircraft owners consult with a lawyer to determine what is the best type and insurance coverage for their specific needs.
>> If you’re involved in an aircraft accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney, at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.